Fresh Thunder to tackle determined Demons

FRESH off a bye, Peel Thunder will be looking to entrench itself in the top five when it takes on bottom-placed Perth at Bendigo Bank Stadium on Saturday.

The Thunder cling on to fifth spot on percentage, but the tight nature of the competition dictates that every game looms as a crucial one in the context of the season.

Perth’s only win this season came at the expense of Claremont in Round 5. Given the Tigers toppled the Thunder by 72 points six weeks later; it showed how competitive this season has been.

Incidentally, that loss to Claremont came after the State Game bye, and coach Cam Shepherd has urged his players to be switched on from the opening bounce on Saturday.

Buoyed by the return of ruckman Jonathan Griffin, Peel’s tall stocks have been further bolstered with Matt Taberner set to play his first WAFL game since his four-goal haul against East Fremantle in Round 3.

Taberner will provide another strong marking target, and forms part of a tall forward line consisting of Craig Moller and Zac Clarke, who both shone in Peel’s Round 12 win over East Perth.

Peel’s forward line has functioned well in recent weeks, which is largely due to both efficient fluent ball movement and a solid tall structure.

With Leroy Jetta coming off back-to-back four goal hauls, the in-form forward will look forward to combining with Taberner in a rejuvenated forward line.

Classy utility Ed Langdon will miss the clash with a hamstring injury, but look for the returning Tendai Mzungu to comfortably fill the breach.

Although Perth languishes at the bottom of the table, they nearly claimed a remarkable victory last time these two sides met in Round 4.

In that clash, Perth led at every change before a six-goal burst from Peel stole a memorable win in slippery conditions.

Aidan Tropiano and former Thunder midfielder Liam McKenna have been standouts for the Demons, and the pair combined for 65 possessions between them in Round 4. Tropiano is the most prolific midfielder in the competition, so curbing his influence is vital.

The Demons were also without former Sydney premiership forward Mitch Morton in Round 4, and in seven games this year he has kicked 17 goals, emphasising his importance inside forward 50.

As always, the midfield battle is crucial, but the ruck duo of Griffin and Clarke will be a formidable opponent for inexperienced Demons ruckmen Blake Borrett and David Johnston.

Peel has won the past three encounters against the Demons, including a record-breaking 65-point win at Lathlain Park last year.

Irrespective of ladder positions, this game shapes as a tight tussle similar to the last time the two sides met.

Bouncedown is 2.15, so get down and cheer loud for the Thunder!